AA Step 7: Humbly Asked Him to Remove Our Shortcomings
If you’re moving through the 12 Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), congratulations on your efforts. Working through the program can help facilitate a lasting path to recovery for many people who are living with alcohol use disorder (AUD).
In Step 7 of AA, members ask their higher power to remove their shortcomings. This article discusses what this step entails, why it’s an important part of the AA process, how humility plays an important role in completing this step, and how AA can serve as a vital part of your recovery.
What Is Step 7 of AA?
In Step 7 of AA, members ask for help from their Higher Power. The text of Step 7 reads, “Humbly ask Him (God, inspiration, etc.) to remove our shortcomings.” For many people, humility is an important part of this step.1
While many people use their religious beliefs to complete Step 7 of AA, many belief systems can serve as a guide through this part of the program. If you’re not sure where to start with Step 7, talking with your sponsor can help.
What Is the Purpose of Step 7 of AA?
The purpose of Step 7 of AA is to help people struggling with AUD learn to rely on others and their Higher Power to stay sober. This requires humility and the ability to ask for help.
Many people who are living with addiction work to solve problems their way, taking pride in their independence. While being able to figure things out without help can be a positive quality sometimes, it’s not always the answer. Learning to ask for help from a Higher Power can be an important step toward recovery.
How to Complete Step 7 of AA
Step 7 of AA marks a clear transition for program participants, as the humility required often has a profound effect on behavior and relationships. Step 7 can be tough, especially for those who tend to live on their terms, without asking for help from others.
If you’re ready to complete Step 7 of AA, try utilizing these tips to stay on track:2
- Participate in meetings. When you attend meetings regularly and hear others speak about their recovery, you’ll remember that you’re not alone. You may begin to see humility as a sign of strength, rather than as a sign of weakness.
- Practice mindfulness. Spending time alone with your thoughts can help you realize that you need help and support from those around you and your Higher Power.
- Lean on others. Your sponsor, counselor, friends, and family can all help you during this phase.
How Step 7 of AA Fits into Your Recovery
If you’re working through the recovery process, AA can be an important part of your journey to sobriety. Many people who are in inpatient addiction treatment or outpatient addiction treatment programs find that participating in AA meetings can provide them with the community support they need to continue with their sobriety.
Step 6 of AA requires participants to ask their Higher Power to remove defects of character. Naturally, this leads to Step 7, in which participants ask their Higher Power to remove their shortcomings (personal failures or struggles). Step 7 often marks a clear change in decisions and behaviors. For many people, Step 7 is the turning point when others begin to see clear, lasting changes in their behavior, making it the ideal precursor to Step 8, in which participants ask their Higher Power for help and support in making a list of those who they have harmed due to their addiction.1
How to Find a 12-Step AA Program
12-Step programs can be an important part of the recovery process. Your treatment facility may recommend that you participate in on-site AA meetings, or your counselor may provide you with a guide for meetings in your area.
You can find AA meetings using the AA meeting locator or AA meeting guide app on the AA website. You can also search local AA district websites to find meetings near you.
Start Your Recovery
If you’re currently working through the 12 Steps or considering starting, professional treatment can also be beneficial. Rehab provides access to individualized care and trained specialists who can help you address the underlying causes of addiction and develop relapse-prevention skills.3 Many treatment programs incorporate the 12-Steps to support people in their recovery journey.3
American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading addiction treatment provider with facilities throughout the U.S. With medical detox, inpatient, outpatient, and aftercare services, we can meet you where you are in your recovery process. Contact AAC today at to verify your health insurance coverage for rehab and learn more about treatment options.